Daily Photo Tour - Far From Christmas

While I'm sure many of you have had the next few days prepared and ready far in advance, I bet there have been a few things that have sneaked under the radar to give you a little surprise. For me, this couldn't be closer to the truth.

First, I am blown away at the response that you all have given for the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. It is very humbling to read the comments you have all left, I did not expect to be so moved, but I was.

Second, I have been apart of a team over the past few months that has put together a spectacular Christmas production for my church. It has been a tremendous blessing working with the many talented individuals who have contributed to make the Christmas Eve night services something very special. To see everything come together in the way that it has, has left me overwhelmed with excitement, and true joy. The gap that we have failed to fill has been overflowed by God's grace, and his purpose for the church as a whole.

Third, I am extremely sad because my ninety-three year old great grandma is in the hospital this Christmas. It's very possible that this may be her last. I visited her a few days ago, and truely realized the magnitude of how much I love her, and how much she has affected my life, and the lives of those around her.

And lastly, I didn't expect this Christmas to fly by so fast. I know, I know, I'm sure most of you all say that every year, and it does. We get busy, and it just seems that the last month of the year races by with an intensity that overtakes time. There just isn't enough of it. But...and this is the most important surprise for me this Christmas season. I've actually stopped, and taken the time to reflect. To make the most of every moment, with everyone. To not get so caught up in the, "to do" but instead to get caught up with the people and relationships around me. To keep myself in check, and to make sure that "I" am very far from the word Christmas.